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June 2005
Jun. 30, 2005
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A Taste of Chocolate
A Taste of Chocolate
Modeling For Life
by Joeann Fossland
One late-summer day during my eleventh year, my mother and I spent a morning on a whirlwind shopping spree for back-to-school clothes. This was rare event. Mom had a chronic illness and didn't often feel well |
enough to spend a day shopping. On this particular day, though, she seemed energized and so was I.
Mom treated me to lunch in the department store's restaurant. As we entered the dining area, I noticed elegant models sauntering from table to table, wearing the latest fall fashions. Since this was prime buying season for school clothes, I wondered aloud why there were no preteen and teen models.
Impressed with my idea, my mother encouraged me to talk with someone. By the time dessert was served, she convinced me not only that my idea was great but that I should be one of those models!
I felt excited and scared. Her encouragement gave me confidence, and I actually began to believe in my idea and in myself. Mom's enthusiasm did not stop there; she persuaded me to talk to the store manager. Even though my stomach was churning, I was ready to apply for my first job!
Now, I should tell you, I wasn't a willowy, preteen version of Brooke Shields. No, I was short, a little chubby, bespectacled and freckled--maybe cute, but definitely not classic model material. Yet Mom's reassurance had convinced me I was beautiful and capable in that moment.
As the elevator doors, closed sending us up to the manager's office, I hesitated again. "Do you really think this is a good idea?" I asked.
In that moment, my mother spoke words that come back to me often--words that have changed the course of my life more than once. "What have you got to lose? you'll be no worse off if he says no. And maybe, just maybe, he'll say yes."
So, refocused and inspired, I proceeded. When the elevator doors opened, I marched straight up to the secretary's desk and asked to see the store manager. The secretary hesitated, then let the manager know I wanted to see him. Before long, we were ushered into his office. As I sat across from him at his desk, I confidently explained that he had an opportunity to create more sales by showcasing back-to-school preteen and teen fashions this time of year. He listened politely and with interest. When I said I wanted to model, he gave me a job application, saying he would consider my suggestion.
While he never did call me, the next summer the department store ran a search for teens to model in the restaurant for back-to-school fashion showing! In truth, I didn't really care that I was not selected. I had my reward. Mom gave me gift that has endured a lifetime . Although she died a few years later, when I was fifteen, Mom's spirit is always with me when I scary life situations.
Mom taught me it was safe to take risks, to believe in myself, and most important--to ask for what I want! |
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Jun. 30, 2005
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The Choice
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The Choice
by Joeann Fossland
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If you can quiet the chatter long enough to hear your own, still, strong inner voice
when the worldly chaos swirls all around you and screams for your attention….
If you can trust in your quiet, knowing, heart of hearts when the shoulds of
times past and people past scream loudly to conform or fear…….
If you can let your light shine brightly, knowing your spark
is unique and your quest this lifetime
is to fully use it to ignite a flame to glow with the
loving message that is yours alone to share….
If you can be steadfast in your own center of strength, when the hurts and judgments of
the uncaring and scared attempt to diminish you and your work,
when you can let them roll over
and off you without latching on and letting them belittle your brilliance…….
If you can believe…really know..it is not about what you do or what you have,
but about who you really are in the solitary moments when there is no one to impress……
If you can face the dark nights of sorrow and loss, missing unquenchably
those taken away too soon, but nourishing yourself with the memories
those souls shared with you and that are yours for eternity…….
If you can release the need for an illusion of control and live with a childlike curiosity and
willingness to examine and evolve from whatever lesson the universe has seen fit to offer
when everything inside of you wants to cry out why me?…..
If you can slow down and let a vast boredom fill you without rushing to fill it up…
allowing yourself to sit quietly and marvel in the exquisiteness of the ordinary..
drinking in the clouds, the colors of the sunset or sunrise, the
birds songs, the childrens laughter…..
If you can quit arguing for your inadequacies and let in the magnificence
of your gifts and the appreciation and love of your encouragers……
If you can give up indulging in what might have been and give yourself
fully to this moment and
the nextto each of the split seconds that make the totality of your experience…..
If you can stand in the center of your own integrity when the easy conveniences
of society and complaintive cries of the needy furiously pull to rock your balance…..
If you can finally accept that things are perfect, right now, exactly as
they are, even when the world around you is trying to propel you to live in
future realities and relive past problems…….
Then the magic of a peaceful, playful, harmonious,
vibrant, blissful existence will fill your being.
And, as you fully express your spark, let your flame glow….
You will light the way and serve as beacon for others to do the same.
Copyright 2000 Joeann Fossland
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Resources, articles and thoughts on being awesomely productive and creative while enjoying a life you love! Don't forget to visit my web site at www.joeann.com for even more information and resources. COMMENTS ARE WELCOME. Please notice the Post A Comment link at the bottom of the posting.
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